Outrage in Surulere as residents decry substandard road work, petition Reps member

Residents of Anjorin Community Development Association (CDA) in Baruwa Ward, Surulere II Constituency, have petitioned their representative in the House of Representatives, Mr. Lanre Okunola, over what they described as substandard and slow-paced road construction work in their community.

The residents accused contractors handling the Anjorin Street road project of poor workmanship, inadequate supervision and prolonged delays, despite the project having commenced nearly two years ago.

In a petition signed by the Chairman of the CDA, Mr. Kehinde Okelade, the community alleged that the project has failed to meet expectations, leaving residents to endure hardship and restricted access to their homes and businesses.

According to the petition, drainage clearing began in August 2024 as part of preparations for the reconstruction of Anjorin Street, a major road serving the community.

However, residents claimed that after the initial work, the project was abandoned for several months, leaving the area overgrown with weeds and worsening traffic conditions.

The community further alleged that when construction eventually resumed, contractors engaged unqualified workers and failed to provide adequate technical supervision.

Okelade claimed that residents became concerned after observing that the iron rods being used for the drainage construction appeared smaller than standard specifications.

He also alleged that there was no qualified engineer on site to supervise the project.

The petition further accused a community member identified as Ayo of overseeing aspects of the project despite not being known to residents as a trained engineer or construction professional.

Residents also expressed concern over the excavation of the Akanji Road junction, which they said disrupted access to the area without prior consultation with affected residents or the CDA.

The community contrasted the project with the reconstruction of nearby Onadeko Street, which was reportedly completed within seven months by the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area and is widely regarded by residents as one of the best road projects in Surulere.

According to the petitioners, Anjorin Street carries heavier traffic and requires a higher construction standard, yet they fear the road may suffer the same fate as Cole Street, another road project in the area that has reportedly deteriorated shortly after completion.

The residents urged Okunola to carry out an inspection visit to the project site and ensure that public funds allocated to the road are properly utilised.

Okelade said community leaders had continued to receive complaints from residents over the poor quality and slow pace of work, stressing that urgent intervention was needed to prevent further deterioration of infrastructure in the area.